ROOTS

The 1977 miniseries Roots was based on the 1976 novel of Alex Haley entitled Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The story was, to a huge degree, derived from the author’s own experience, starting with the protagonist Kunta Kinte who was played by LeVar Burton.

Kinte was sold in the slave trade after being taken from an African village. The show also featured various events in American history, including emancipation and the Civil War. The show left a mark on American viewers because it was gutting and riveting. The show was also able to bag 37 Primetime Emmy Award nominations as well as a few Golden Globes and a Peabody Award.